Key Takeaways
1. ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Have Different Focus Areas: ISO 27001 is a global ISMS framework; SOC 2 is a U.S.-centric attestation report based on the TSC.
2. Both Frameworks Offer Complementary Value: ISO 27001 sets the foundation, while SOC 2 proves operational effectiveness.
3. SOC 2 Is Often A Market-Driven Need: Many U.S. clients require SOC 2 reports, even if you already hold ISO 27001 certification.
When it comes to information security, two frameworks often dominate the conversation: ISO 27001 and SOC 2. Both are widely recognized standards that help organizations demonstrate strong data protection practices to clients, regulators, and stakeholders. But many companies ask the same question: Do you need a SOC 2 report if you’re already ISO 27001 certified?
The short answer is yes. Both frameworks are valuable, and together, they provide stronger assurance to your stakeholders.
ISO 27001 vs SOC 2: Understanding the Key Differences
ISO 27001
- Global standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
- Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- Focuses on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an ISMS.
- Certifies an organization through an accredited third-party certification body.
- Broader in scope, covering governance, risk, and controls across the entire business.
SOC 2
- Provides assurance to clients (especially in the U.S.) that controls are in place to protect customer data.
- An attestation report developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
- Focuses on the Trust Services Criteria (TSC): Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.
- Requires an independent CPA firm like IS Partners to perform the SOC 2 certification process (Type I or Type II report).
- More service-provider specific, making it highly relevant for SaaS and cloud-based companies.
Why ISO 27001 Certification Alone May Not Be Enough
Being ISO 27001 certified demonstrates that your organization follows globally recognized best practices for managing information security risks. However, many U.S.-based clients—especially those in industries like healthcare, financial services, and SaaS—specifically request a SOC 2 report.
Why? Because SOC 2 is tailored to customer-facing service organizations. A SOC 2 Type II report, for example, doesn’t just confirm that you designed the right controls; it also tests whether those controls were operating effectively over time. This kind of assurance is often required in vendor due diligence and procurement processes.
How SOC 2 and ISO 27001 Work Together
Think of ISO 27001 and SOC 2 as complementary, not competing. ISO 27001 builds the foundation. It establishes an organization-wide ISMS, covering governance, policies, and risk management. Meanwhile, SOC 2 proves ongoing effectiveness. It provides third-party validation that your controls operate as intended and meet the TSC. Together, they offer stakeholders confidence that your security program is both strategically designed and practically effective.
Organizations often pursue both ISO 27001 certification and SOC 2 reporting if they:
- Operate internationally (ISO 27001 is widely recognized across the globe).
- Serve U.S.-based clients (who frequently require SOC 2 reports in vendor contracts).
- Provide SaaS or cloud services where trust and transparency are critical.
- Want to streamline compliance by mapping controls across both frameworks to avoid duplication of effort.
Why Work With IS Partners?
Achieving compliance with ISO 27001 vs SOC 2 isn’t just about passing an audit—it’s about building trust, strengthening security practices, and creating efficiencies across your organization. At IS Partners, we help clients navigate both frameworks with confidence.
- ISO 27001 Services: From readiness assessments and ISMS design to audit preparation and continuous improvement, we guide you through every stage of the ISO 27001 certification journey. Our team helps align your ISMS with broader compliance requirements, reducing duplication of effort.
- SOC 2 Services: As a licensed CPA firm, we conduct SOC 2 Type I and Type II examinations and deliver the official attestation reports your clients expect. We also provide readiness assessments and control testing to ensure you’re fully prepared for the SOC 2 certification process.
- Cross-Framework Expertise: If you’re pursuing both ISO 27001 and SOC 2, we streamline the process by mapping overlapping controls, saving your team time and resources while strengthening overall compliance.
With IS Partners, you don’t just get an auditor—you get a trusted compliance partner dedicated to simplifying the process and helping you demonstrate the highest standards of security and assurance to your customers. Want to learn more about how we can help with your compliance journey? Explore our full list of SOC 2 certification and ISO 27001 internal audit services.
What Should You Do Next?
Assess Client Requirements: Identify whether your customers or prospects require a SOC 2 report in addition to ISO 27001.
Map Overlapping Controls: Streamline efforts by aligning ISO 27001 controls with SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria.
Engage a CPA Firm: Partner with an accredited assessor like IS Partners to guide you through the SOC 2 certification process.
